People often hesitate to undergo orthodontic treatment, not because they don’t want a straighter smile, but because they worry about the impact metal braces will have on their appearance. We understand, and for that reason we offer our Fort Worth, TX, patients options that minimize the appearance of braces. In today’s blog, we’re looking at two different options for providing cosmetic orthodontics.
Cosmetic Orthodontics
Cosmetic orthodontics employ braces and aligners to correct smiles, but with your smile’s overall appearance taken into account. These options are often preferable for teens and adults, as they allow them to undergo treatment and enjoy better oral health without the traditional (and very visible) metal orthodontics.
Invisalign®
With Invisalign®, we don’t apply brackets to the teeth or use arch wires. Instead, we take detailed digital impressions of your smile. At a special lab, these impressions will be used to design and create a series of aligners. Made from a clear plastic material, a set will be worn for two weeks for around 20 to 22 hours a day. Over time, they move the teeth into optimal positions and correct misalignment. Total treatment will depend on the extent of a patient’s’ misalignment, as well the patient’s age. On average, adults require a year and teens may need up to 18 months. In addition to their nearly invisible appearance, the aligners can also be removed before you eat or prior to brushing and flossing your teeth. Patients don’t have to avoid certain foods, and maintaining good oral health during treatment is much easier!
Tooth-Colored Brackets
For more serious cases of misalignment, braces may still be the necessary choice. However, to minimize the appearance metal orthodontics, we won’t apply metal brackets to the teeth. Instead, we will place ceramic ones, which will be shaded to match your teeth. As a result, the only metal portion will be the very thin arch wire, which helps limit the appearance of metal orthodontics for our patients. As with aligners, the amount of time needed to wear them will depend on the patient’s age and the extent of his or her misalignment. If you have any questions about correcting smiles, or about either of our cosmetic orthodontic options, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles and optimal oral health!
Do You Have Questions About Tooth-Colored Brackets?
We have cosmetic orthodontics to help address misalignment and offer patients a more beautiful smile. To schedule your consultation and enjoy optimal oral health, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in North Fort Worth, Fort Worth, White Settlement, and all surrounding communities.